The Great Mystery of Variations on a Cloud

[@fortcollinsproductions]

Unfortunately, I will likely not make much from this video. If you’d like to support the channel (and be featured at the end of every video) you can do so here: ko-fi.com/fortcollinsproductions Thank you so much!!

[@kwentongpotchero6750]

Now next is Candle on the Water

[@glefyr]

​​@@kwentongpotchero6750isn't that a cover of a disney song or smthn

[@yxerp_yxe]

Ruler of everything is the 14th song on the album MMMM

[@daxtonmacgillivray4081]

The jumpscare of Variations having some of the motifs from my favorite songs was the most surreal thing and honestly really touching somehow

[@xdarin_]

"I know a powerful Bob" felt like a stab in the gut

[@NootalieWalf]

I love how it’s described as a ‘jumpscare’ because that’s exactly what it feels like 🤣

[@Minisealover]

400th like :]

[@neo-hero_7886]

I see the motifs of so many of their songs as almost a final culmination of the entirety of what they made and it’s gorgeous, comforting, and saddening to me

[@Jack-o-smasher]

"He egonizes me for being geocentric." Hit different

[@theoverseer393]

I’ll be honest. I can totally understand why this one isn’t included in the breakdown of Hawaii part II because it’s very controversial in terms of what the meaning is, and especially what they’re trying to say about that day. But my personal understanding is, the song is deliberately catchy to emphasize the lost innocence when you finally realize it’s not flying, it’s falling

[@filipemartinho1753]

"The lost innocence when you finally realize it's not flying, it's falling" that just sent shivers down my spine, that's such a strong line

[@90z79]

Missed opportunity to say “It’s not flying, it’s *D Y I N G*

[@andistansbury4366]

I think he didn't put it with the rest so the whole video wouldn't get demonitized.

[@ramune_u]

i really thought the "i was in the hearing" line was strange, it reminded me of the hearing depicted in The Mind Electric, where our wonderful murderer states his insanity. I do like the thought that the song is just a conversation between two men watching the tower fall though.

[@superluigidummy]

It's supposed to be a reference back to Murders. (the lyrics, the general tune)

[@ramune_u]

@@superluigidummy well the events of Murders are what caused the hearing in the first place... i'm sticking with my theory.

[@estenslop]

i got jumpscared when i heard ruler of everything

[@ramune_u]

@@estenslop yeah that part was a bit strange, i dont really get the correlation between the two apart from the fact that VoaC is just a representation of mangled memories

[@SovTheCherub]

“ *All mine towers crumble down* , the flowers *gasping under rubble.* “

[@Minisealover]

It feels like flying,but maybe *we're dying*

[@YourLocalTallyHallFan]

Omg Taly Hol refrenc? Omgomgomgomgomg

[@andistansbury4366]

A cosmic confluence of pyramids hologrammed

[@MinaWalker]

3:15 Greener would be the second song, Ruler of Everything is the second to last song on Marvins (not counting bonus tracks)

[@elistrations]

I have to come clean and say that you succeeded on scaring the shit out of me through your delivery and editing. You did an incredible job of setting an atmosphere through both of those on top of your script writing. Amazing.

[@fortcollinsproductions]

Thank you! If it helps, I jumpscared myself so much making this video

[@elistrations]

@@fortcollinsproductions Worth every second, dude. Fantastic job 🔥

[@sol__feather]

for some reason, variations on a cloud has always been a very comforting song for me in spite of its meaning. i always saw it as a song clouded in nostalgia, if that makes any sense, which is something i do relate to. the chonny jash cover is especially comforting to me

[@andistansbury4366]

Heh. "Clouded"

[@BRUH10155]

I just recently watched the 9/11 documentary made by the Naudet brothers and I was watching this at night so when the video abruptly cut to 9/11 footage with the emergency broadcast sound I fucking shat my pants and rocketed off into the atmosphere

[@A_walking_contradiction]

Same here

[@CheeryBerserker]

Hawaii pt II, along with this, are the most profound and complex musical developments i've ever heard. I couldn't even dream of how this came to be and the mystery behind it. Youve done an amazing job breaking this down, and i thank you for that. It was truly a journey.

[@migut]

i legitimately think you should do analog horror, the transitions are lowkey terrifying and help to drive the point of the video

[@Brain-washed2]

C’mon man

[@commander_eaa2862]

I was cringing so hard mostly because he tried turning 9/11 into analog horror… like I enjoy the genre as much as the next guy but wtf

[@Redd7206]

@@commander_eaa2862 Huh?

[@mirror_mania]

variations on a cloud has always been my favorite miracle musical song, i think it sounds really nice. great video btw!

[@zeechops401]

I gotta say. I don't know how anyone could've heard this song the first time and not felt uncomfortable. It never felt upbeat to me, or like a love song. The second I heard the lyric "Ok, jump" I knew it was going to be memorable and unnerving.

[@The_evil_jonkler-cart445]

I did

[@gottagoquack]

tbh i think listening to it from a tally hall perspective makes it more "hehe joe rob song lol" and less "what the fuck am i listening to right now". u just become used to their shit

[@RhydonKing]

Wow, I watched your amazing documentary merely an hour ago. Watching you cover arguably my favourite MM song brings joy to my heart.

[@ki.yusuke]

i remember from quite some time ago that as i listened carefully to variations on a cloud, it piqued my interest. the sort of song that offers a completely new listening experience the second you take its lyrics into consideration. i dwelved into quite a rabbit hole! in pursuit of making sense of such abstract words. cryptic, in joe hawley fashion- but nonetheless telling, in the way that it pushes your imagination for complex interpretation. i even went searching for video essays regarding this title back then! glad to be greeted with content that’s been posted so recently. even after almost more than 10 years their/his music continues to provoke ideas.

[@Dersill6]

I find it funny that Fort Collins gives me more mystery than the actual mystery

[@CommunityHamster]

It’s a shame that the original mv was taken down and i’m grateful for the uploads. Watching the visuals along with the music gives you a very indescribable feeling.

[@ebrucan7161]

the beginning with aristotle's denial caught me offguard

[@CallMeLazyy.]

More miracle musical stuff!!!!!!!! I'm so excited! You're documentaries are amazing, keep it up!

[@alexei9122]

DUDE MADE IT LMAO Was kinda conflicted myself whether to include Variations as a part of HP II,, i always thought it could be tied well enough with how vague and subjective the whole album is despite the music video

[@the_very_cozy_burrito]

I always thought the ending to dream sweet in sea major transitioned to variations on a cloud, a little janky but a transition nonetheless

[@vannishd]

got so excited when I saw this video in my recommended! your video analysis on Hawaii: Part II is one my my top 3 favourite video essays!!

[@eil_feer5665]

another certified Fort Collins Productions classic

[@MelonoMelon]

You were evil with the jumpscare sounds on this one 😭

[@Juicedbeef]

Great video! Heres a few “weaponized songs” Hay yah - outkast // about messy relationship Pumped up kicks - foster the people // about school shooting Mr brightside - the killers // I forget what this ones Bout I think adultey? I could go on

[@zeechops401]

Immediately thought about Pumped Up Kicks! Also another song that I'm totally shocked went over people's heads the first time they heard it. I always assumed everyone knew the meaning and just played it anyways!

[@Fuggincreature]

Us and them by pink Floyd

[@thespecialgamer5067]

i was literally just re-watching your video on Hawaii part II, and i saw this in the recommended. crazy

[@Dry_Bones_Stan_]

picture of my face when another fort Collins productions video: (very excited) candle on the water next?

[@Dry_Bones_Stan_]

fort Collins productions remember me when you get an Oscar 🙏🙏🙏

[@thegtaerty1818]

I belive this song and this album has a meaning of a last farewell from tally hall to all their fans, mostly made by rob cantor, who seems to be the only one that is still intrested in the fans or at least the band and their legacy

[@Wilbur_the1]

I didn't know how traumatizing this song would be (I won't have nightmares definitely)

[@poppip10]

This is awesome, ever since i watched your first video I've been waiting for you to cover this song (as it's one of my favorites)!

[@poppip10]

oh darn

[@traumatizedDumpster]

​@@poppip10character development

[@PessoaDixon]

Great video. Loved this and the original video a lot. Made me appreciate the music so much more.

[@mytwentyfirstreasonnn]

noo i loved this song 😭

[@siirniighteye]

this is LEGENDARYYYYYYYYYYYY !! shout out to variations on a cloud being one of my fav songs ever somehow

[@Tispygnostalgic]

on gang + fire vriska pfp

[@siirniighteye]

@@Tispygnostalgic thank you ^_^ i drew it myself like 4 months ago lol

[@Axos_Abode]

3:14 it's the 14th song 15th if you count the hidden good day simlish cover on the cd

[@nninja_catt]

2:40 i know this face is supposed to be scary but seeing it on the moon and on GEORGE W BUSHES FACE looks so goofy lmao

[@Mildsauce82]

yeah like why is this dude tryna start a 9/11 creepy pasta

[@AstralApparently]

road blocks

[@thatguy8733]

First 50 comments! I wanted to say I love your analysis video on Hawaii Part II and this is a terrific addition to my tally hall knowledge. Thank you for the amazing video essays and I hope many more!

[@e.m.philyaw]

It’s always a good day when you upload

[@lucastheunfunnyguy]

Even The developer of Backrooms infinite I did it not know you like tally hall

[@EnricoFermi1939]

I love these kinds of videos so much

[@Barakon]

It’s funny how I actually started to like this song this year, in 2024, well after October 7th…when what started that day fully sank in.

[@chimpolad5064]

King has returned, I knell to thee. (Even if I can’t stand Fort Collins)

[@zardoge]

Voac is like a tally hall version of pumped up kicks

[@MadxWasHere]

this is really well made keep it up

[@Traayblox]

Lets goooo another miracle musical vid!!

[@Golden_retriever_frien]

Frick, the EAS flipping scared me because I have a fear of those things

[@Rule_0]

3:13 "second (to last) song on the album..." the second song would be Greener...

[@Zerr988]

This video is pure dread gave me chills 10/10

[@Joker-yx4bl]

Joe woke up and thought of "What if we made a song about 9/11 and made it an absolute banger"

[@sumayyahqamar2007]

NO DONT MAKE LIGHT ABOUT IT

[@nor-MAL-cy]

Yet another amazing video from you 💪

[@Saet-ey]

you my man got the first comment

[@lapislake]

Me on my way to write another essay comment when I promised myself not to stay up on a school night... Here we go! I am so incredibly glad you were able to make a video expanding on the origins of Hawaii pt II! Variations on a Cloud seems like The natural option to pick up where you left off! I was originally confused about why 9/11 was so commonly associated with it, as I didn't know Variations released before Hawaii until this video. Even afterwards, I'm not entirely sure I'm on board with the theory, but I'm obviously not going to shame anyone if this is what they believe. If anything, Miracle Musical has taught us that thought provoking and downright terrifying messages can be found in the subtlety of a song, if placed carefully enough. Now, onto the actual video notes! The use of reversed Aristotle's Denial at the very beginning?!? YES?! (I'd totally be interested in a video about that song as well if you have the time for it, maybe delve into Cojum Dip's origins as well?) Also the jumpscares had me absolutely glued to the screen, my body froze as soon as I heard the EAS alert; most panicked I've felt in watching a video in a while, even if I dreaded it coming.There's always just something about your content that invokes such a dreadful and whimsical feeling at the same time; I can't put my finger on it! I usually can't stomach material surrounding 9/11, but I was so fascinated by the story you unfolded all the way through. I was genuinely disturbed at some parts, even if I was hyperfocused the whole time. Your reciting of the lyrics in a sinister manner gave me chills in the best sort of way. It's a little bit of magic to end the world. Such a haunting way to end the essay. I wasn't alive to witness or even fathom the widescale tragedy of 9/11, and am obviously unqualified to give the event proper first-hand knowledge, I can at least acknowledge that this song leaves a haunting resonance within the context of was written, or whatever we may believe. Once again, thank you so much for these video essays. Miracle Musical content is one of the only things I truly indulge myself in nowadays, and It's almost borderline an obsession of mine at this point. Editing is absolutely God tier, I hope more people are able to fund and support your endevaours!

[@dante_02]

I had to go over the video twice before writing this comment I feel like the format you used, while distinctive (and very well used in your Hawaii Part 2 analysis) kinda cuts off the points and makes them feel more like random thoughts than a complete idea, especially with the cut to the interview in 9:27, since no point is added afterwards I believe you could have delved deeper into both interpretations of the song, it being a part of Hawaii and it being an independent piece that talks explicitly about 9/11 The lyrics of the song allow for a lot more discussions, and this video doesn't make it justice I don't comment this to hate on your work, since I really like your content, but Variations on a Cloud is a song I really like, and I hoped for a deeper analysis of it, especially after your Hawaii P2 video made me love the album even more

[@Entrominal]

What about candle on the water The clip of joe saying why he felt so tied to it i dont think ive ever heard someone else mention

[@Mr.Potatoburg-ng3pv]

Am I literally the only one who actually likes this song for what it is?

[@WD_RatLad]

2:40 that gave me a mini-heart-attack, please never do that again

[@ostrelephant]

3:15 it is not the second song, it is the 14th song

[@noahmay7708]

Very cool video. If you could break it down for me, what is the message in the music video that you disagree with? Or is the imagery perhaps just insensitive?

[@fortcollinsproductions]

Thank you so much! I think what bothers me is more the music video than the actual song itself. The real life footage of people falling from the towers overlaid with conspiracy theory headlines and children’s puppets just seems disrespectful in my opinion. I’m all for art being controversial, but I think there’s a certain point where tragedy and distress outweigh the effects of controversy in art. Truly, the biggest problem I have was their choice to use real footage of people losing their lives that day. The message of the song wasn’t dependent on that choice. But that’s just my opinion!

[@noahmay7708]

@@fortcollinsproductions Yeah I think I agree that's a bit overboard. It's been a while since I saw the video but I do recall something like that.

[@seashelltheseawing]

Bro idk if I'm just fucked up, but ruler of everything, Variations on a Cloud, The Mind Electric, and most other songs by Miracle Musical and Tally Hall don't scare me. I fully understand their meaning but, it doesn't scare me at all. Someone please tell me, am I going crazy?

[@MccCartn3y]

Nah that's just ur taste

[@Irrationaaaaal]

Evil Bush isnt real, he can't hurt you

[@ediblepi]

At roughly 4:39 a url pops up. I tried typing it in but apparently the video isn’t available anymore. Anyone know what this was or have any ideas?

[@Catcakemaker]

I did the same and came up with an error too. I tried the wayback machine, but it was useless.

[@Brain-washed2]

You’re typing something wrong, I’m pretty sure you’re typing “e” after the “Y” in the first part bc that’s what I did until I looked closer. It’s a “c”

[@ostrelephant]

got the url kzbin.info/www/bejne/pni9dmekjsicbbc

[@ediblepi]

That’s possible, I’ll try again later

[@nicklagoni7306]

​@@Brain-washed2tried this and it links to an interview with Joe talking about the relationship between the world trade center and Hawaii pt 2

[@Artificial_Idiot]

My favourite song ever, I love this song so much that I wanna make it into an intro for my show if I ever made one

[@CharlotteAland]

when i say i like analog horror this is what i mean

[@torchicachu2501]

When i first heard variations on a cloud, the noises and tunes and sounds they use scratched my brain so happily and i would listen and re-listen to the song over and over again because it filled me with such a joyous feeling to listen to it. Once i found out the meaning and context behind every single lyrics it scared me. Such a song that made me feel joy suddenly turned into existentialism and fear. And yet i keep on coming back and listening to it over and over again because those melodies still itch that part in my brain that makes it feel blissful. I feel like this experience of mine and many others is comparable to the feelings of how people just couldnt look away from the buildings that day nomatter how scared it made them, and how to this day the mysterious interest and all the documentaties out there about 9/11 are tettifying and yet we jusy we keep on coming back and coming back to revisit the topic and hear more stories and learn more about the mystery.

[@alecboi777]

Ruler Of Everything is NOT the second song in MMMM

[@Ethan-iv8fs]

It's been posted for an hour, and I'm nervous to watch

[@G00dTaste]

This whole video is a jumpscare and I love it

[@SnuuySnuuy]

all you did was say this song was about 911 and assed around with weird edits .-.

[@Lucero_TheSilverStar]

I have a playlist with all of Hawaii part II song alongside 2 extra songs... those being "Variations on the clouds" and "candle on the water", after listening to this video I can not believe what was hidden under all those mangled ominous lyrics... are you planning on doing a short review about Candle on the water?, such a pretty song...

[@pelele1176]

That's called an album.

[@tree_trunkk]

constructive criticism be like: nahhh bro this shit sucks 🔥 jokes aside, the dramatization is pretty much shoved into my face obnoxiously every time you stop talking. like some people just want to learn what you have to say, not sit through an analog horror. tho it's just my perspective fr

[@lewisbeith]

guys please tell me, what is at 6:33 ?

[@shelbybunny]

honestly, i thought this video would be longer. it didnt really.. get into why its so terrifying or shouldnt exist, it just says it. it doesnt theorize what its trying to say about 9/11 at all. a bit of a disappointment compared to your video on hawaii part ii

[@ferskenmjam252]

What do you think he is going to say, that lead vocalist is jewish and its a sadistic reference to 911, youtube would ban him immediately, you most likely wont even be able to read this comment because of the censorship.

[@cherrymi02]

lol i know variations on a cloud because of a Barbieheimer edit, love that song..

[@WitherVideos]

Thanks for making this!

[@UsedNameTag13]

Where does the link at 4:39 lead

[@barbarabourke637]

I checked and I’m pretty sure it’s a taken down video or something

[@LiterallyNaven]

Small correction. Ruler Of Everything isn't the 2nd song on Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum, it's the 14th

[@lupidoo3410]

i think they meant it's chronologically the 2nd song in marvin's to be written

[@SamualN]

the concluding thoughts are very dramatic

[@Orangeboy3030]

what is the link at 4:38 supposed to redirect to, the video is taken down, is it supposed to redirect you to the original Variations on a Cloud Music Video?

[@solarte1331]

i was looking for someone in the comments who knew, the link it's still broken...

[@jesusbeltran9929]

Link at 4:39 is broken, says it isn't available anymore

[@EK312_]

I CANT WAIT TO WATCH THIS VIDEO BUT IM AT SCHOOL AND NEED TO WAIT 2 MORE HOURS

[@funtimefriendsy9864]

What about “Candle on the Water”?

[@lucasl8657]

Does anyone know where the link goes to at 4:39

[@2genschool488]

miracle musical js dropped. you know what you have to do.

[@sageslittlechannel]

I’m curious to see your take on “candle on the water.” What do you think about it being a cover rather than an original song on the album?

[@door_made_of_wood]

YIPPEE!!!! Thank you for such great videos its greatly appreciated:D

[@Wafflemakerdev]

This is what I was looking for, but what about Hawaii Part ii part ii?

[@Goofyboofydoofy]

I’m not gonna lie it’s still a bop

[@ahumoroususername]

I could not handle how pretentiously this was presented, love this music but simple analysis presented so over dramatically is really irritating.

[@thegrimghoul]

You don’t agree with the message of the song? What is the message then?

[@BengaliHedgehog]

I honestly didn't understand that too

[@sunny27wolf]

@@BengaliHedgehog me neither

[@yiga]

good video, was very interresting

[@pumpkinmaryam5500]

oh hell yeah

[@kujojotarostandoceanman2641]

Tally Hall analogue horror is so fucking funny

[@thegreatchipman]

i love your content but this video was crazy overdramatic. it felt like you were trying to scare people using 9/11 which leaves an icky taste in my mouth. also the way you dramatized ruler of everything's melody being used in a part of the song was a bit laughable. its a melody, from a song made by band, that was put into a different song by more or less the same band.

[@KunzLevi]

This video is so nothing-burger 😭😭😭😭😭HE LITERALLY TOLD US NOTHING THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE VIDEO such bull.

[@lfroujibetmusic]

whats with the intro are you listening to miracle musical or the souls of the damned from ancient greece

[@FayeHunter]

Wonderful ☁️

[@MAD22324]

unironic 9/11 jumpscare

[@VictorGreinvolfe48]

Great vid. Out of curiosity, do you care to share what this song’s views on 9/11 are? Joe can be a bit hard to read into, and I can’t find many results

[@elliotstoklosa53]

You need to make a vidieo about Don shirley please look him up read some stuff about him and listen to his music he's incredible and unknown

[@aman8865]

Wow completely missed the point which is fucking hilarious considering the point of the song

[@Sinkity]

At 4:26 what is the song?

[@TheDrunkenPumpk1n]

It's from the 1936 Movie "Cheer Up" kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6iyg52BasRmr80 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheer_Up_(film)

[@Sinkity]

@@TheDrunkenPumpk1n Thanks man!

[@jordanlemke11]

If you make art while worrying about not being controversial then you will never be a good artist, imo Joe Hawley is a genius

[@Brain-washed2]

Pretty over dramatic in this tbh. Still well made as usual, but calm down

[@theoverseer393]

Agreed. It’s definitely a controversial topic, but it’s clear whatever the case is for Miracle Musical making this song based on that day, I don’t see anything malicious about it. It’s an example of lost innocence caused by tragedy. And its also reminded me of how bush can be seen as “caligula”

[@TheFront.]

this is a ARG isnt it?